Concert and Film Series Continues with Cynthia Shelhart and Despicable Me 2
Westchester Public Library’s free concert and family film series continues at 7 pm on Friday, August 1, at the bandstand in Thomas Centennial Park, downtown Chesterton, with Cynthia Shelhart’s Traditional and Contemporary Celtic Harp Music. The concert will be followed by the film Despicable Me 2 at dusk, about 8 p.m.
Those who attend these events are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnics, blankets and bug spray. In the event of rain, the events will be offered in the Library Service Center on the corner of Indiana Avenue and Calumet. Popcorn and soda will be sold in time for the movie by members of the Chesterton-Porter Rotary.
Cynthia Shelhart, a resident of Chesterton, is recognized as an outstanding performer of traditional and contemporary solo harp music. She performs on both a 68-string double-row harp and other single- and double-row lap harps. Her original compositions are always included in every performance.
Despicable Me 2 continues the story of ex-supervillain Gru as he adjusts to family life and honest living. The Anti-Villain League has other ideas, though. When a secret Arctic laboratory is stolen, they recruit Gru to join AVL agent Lucy Wilde in the investigation.
Gru concludes that a presumed dead supervillain is the guilty party, but seems to be blinded by his overprotectiveness toward his girls and his growing feelings for Lucy. At the same time, his minions are being kidnapped en masse for some dark purpose. Will Gru find the criminal and free his minions?
Despicable Me 2 is rated PG and has a running time of 98 minutes.
This series of concerts and films is partially funded through generous donations from the Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club. The final concert will be on Friday, August 8, when the South Shore Brass Band will perform. The film that night will be The Lego Movie, rated PG.
For more information, call the library at 926-7696.
A Musical Walk Through the Civil War at the Museum
Travel back to the genteel days of hoops and honor when South Bend residents Hawk and Jill Van Lew present A Musical Walk Through the Civil War on Saturday, August 2, at 2 pm. The program will take place at the Westchester Township History Museum, 700 W. Porter Avenue, Chesterton. Attendance is free of charge; refreshments will be served.
The Van Lews have spent years creating and perfecting their living history programs. Jill, dressed in 1860s clothing, will share fashion and proper etiquette. Hawk, also dressed for the period, will give the men’s perspective and share clothing, accoutrements, and historical facts about the war.
The highlight of the program will be the wonderful melodies of the songs of the North and South presented in Jill’s unique a cappella style.
The Westchester Township History Museum is a free cultural and educational service of Westchester Public Library. The museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. Groups may make reservations for tours by calling the museum at 983-9715.
Art Bots at Hageman Library
Hageman Library, Westchester Public Library’s branch located at 100 Francis Street, Porter, will host ArtBots on Tuesday, August 5, from 1-2:30 pm. This unique craft program will be led by Annette Hanson and is for kids in grades 3-5. Registration is necessary. Materials will be provided by the library.
Wouldn’t it be fun to have a robot friend that helps you create art? Come to ArtBots and create your own robot with markers for legs. Watch your bot wobble across a piece of paper generating markings with its “feet” as it moves. The bot’s motion comes from a spinning motor with an off-center weight, which causes the robot to vibrate. Changing the size and location of the weight will affect how the robot moves and how it draws.
For more information or to register, call Hageman Library at 926-9080.
Batman Birthday Party at Hageman Library
Children are invited to celebrate the Caped Crusader’s 75th birthday at Hageman Library, Westchester Public Library’s branch located at 100 Francis Street, Porter, on Friday, August 1. Kids age 3-5 years will enjoy their party at 10 am, while ages 6-9 will enjoy their party at 2 pm. Registration is necessary.
Enjoy a time of games and crafts to celebrate Batman’s birthday. Attendees will receive birthday bags to bring home with them. Children may even come dressed in costume if they wish.
For more information or to register, call Hageman Library at 926-9080.
Adult/YA Role-Playing Games Group
Adults and young adults 15 years and up are invited to join Jon Johnson at Westchester Public Library’s monthly group, Role-Playing Games, on Wednesday, August 6, from 6-8:30 pm in the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. No registration is necessary.
Role playing is a great opportunity to use the imagination to pretend to be anything, whether a super hero, a knight, or even an elf. Players can explore different worlds, planets, or even historical periods. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with this easy way of playing.
Create an adventure using guide books to help move the journey along; create your own character, choose skills, spell, weapons and gear, or become a Grand Master and run or make your own world. Have fun with this unique venue for teamwork and social interaction.
Role-Playing Games takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at the same time and in the same place.
For more information call Thomas Library at 926-7696.
The American Civil War: A Series on the Major Battles
The American Civil War: A Series on the Major Battles will continue at Westchester Public Library with a look at the Battle of Manassas. Join Thomas Murphy in the Bertha Wood room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, from 10 am-noon on Saturday, August 2. There is no registration required; attendance is free of charge.
Discuss the first major land battle of the armies in Virginia. On July 16, 1861, the untried Union army under Brigadier General Irvin McDowell marched from Washington against the Confederate army, which was drawn up behind Bull Run beyond Centreville for the Battle of Manassas.
The American Civil War series will continue on August 30 with a look at the Battle of Antietam.
History buff and Civil War enthusiast Thomas Murphy will present each program. Murphy is an RSVP volunteer and has presented a number of programs at the library. Future programs will cover the battles at Gettysburg, Manassas, Antietam, and Chickamauga.
For more information please call the library at 926-7696.